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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION <br /> APRIL 21,2015 MEETING MINUTES <br /> MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Jurchen, Commissioners Rieck and Stroot <br /> ABSENT: Commissioners Roggenkamp and Merritt <br /> ALSO PRESENT: Chris Lindholm, School Superintendent; Sheila <br /> Haverkamp, BLAEDC; Dawn Bittner, Zoning <br /> Administrator <br /> 1. Call Meeting to Order <br /> The meeting was called to order by Chair Jurchen at 8:04 a.m. <br /> 2. Approval EDC Minutes <br /> COMMISSIONER STROOT MOVED TO APPROVE THE MARCH 17, <br /> 2015 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES. <br /> COMMISSIONER RIECK SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION <br /> CARRIED 3-0. <br /> 3. Broadband Update <br /> Chair Jurchen explained a conversation he had with the Mayor of Jenkins, Jon <br /> Lubke, where Mr. Lubke was concerned about availability of broadband for their <br /> residents. CTC has done a much better job of working with customers than TDS <br /> has. The EDC may want to initiate collaborative efforts regarding broadband <br /> with Jenkins and Breezy Point. <br /> Chair Jurchen stated he recently reviewed a housing study where fast internet was <br /> one of the top 3 issues. <br /> Sheila Haverkamp shared that BLAEDC has the CTC Room with enhanced <br /> technology that can be used for meetings. The EDC should hold a meeting there. <br /> Sheila Haverkamp asked Chris Lindholm if students are struggling doing <br /> homework without internet available. Mr. Lindholm stated that teachers use <br /> digitized textbooks, but the students do not take them home. He is working with <br /> Best Buy to create a website that will only be available to Pequot Lakes students <br /> to purchase their own device. There would be different options to choose from <br /> with an option for students who receive free or reduced lunches. He further stated <br /> he has attended a meeting in the CTC Room and is looking to set up the Gathering <br /> Room with advanced technology and rent it to fill a niche in the community. <br /> `.. Commissioner Stroot stated he was surprised to see the article for Jenkins. TDS <br /> has stated that 100% of customers can get high speed internet. It would be <br />